The troubled Werribee Racecourse has been closed for the rest of the season and will not host another event for almost eight months.

Racing Victoria made the decision after consultations with all parties including jockeys and trainers about the state of the surface.

A new track was installed at Werribee in a big to revitalise the racecourse as part of the implementation of an international quarantine centre for overseas raiders come the spring.

Racing has only resumed at the track for about four months but it almost immediately was blasted by the racing community with Glen Boss claiming the track ‘had no guts to it’.

Racing Victoria CEO Rob Hines said the four remaining scheduled meetings for Werribee had been transferred to other venues to give the surface the maximum amount of time possible to recuperate before the resumption of racing next season.

“We have made the decision to transfer Werribee’s remaining meetings this season in the long term best interests of the track,” Hines said.

“It is a juvenile track that is taking time to consolidate due to the unseasonal weather experienced during summer which has significantly impacted on its growth patterns.

“With the likelihood of further inclement weather during the coming months we have made a proactive decision now to protect the surface and allow it to reach its full potential.”

The venue will reopen for international horses when they begin to arrive in late August / Early September.

The next full scale race meet is not expected until December 4th this year.